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Gold Winner of the International Excellence Awards 2025

Asanoha 3D puzzle

Product

Child-Friendly and Educational Products

Completed / Built / Individual Participant

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Architect / Designer:

Hans Mayr Juarez

Studio:

HMJ Arquitectura

Copyright:

Hans Mayr Juarez, Yoshihiro Ando

Country:

Mexico

Asanoha 3D Puzzle is a three-dimensional puzzle made up of 45 pieces, designed for children and youth aged between 10 and 15. It is a unique piece that merges digital parametric design with inspiration from Japan’s rich visual tradition.

This toy originates from the formal exploration of the traditional Japanese graphic pattern Asanoha, which represents stylized hemp leaves arranged in a geometric structure of six-pointed stars. Deeply rooted in Japanese culture, this motif has historically been associated with vigor, resilience, and healthy growth, which is why it was commonly used in fabrics for babies and children as a symbol of protection and positive development.

In this puzzle, the Asanoha pattern is reinterpreted and brought into the three-dimensional realm. The flat lines of the traditional motif are transformed into structural elements that give volume, depth, and texture to the object, creating a completely new tactile and visual experience. This dimensionality not only celebrates the geometry of the pattern, but also allows for playful and constructive interaction.

The final design takes the shape of an egg—an universally recognizable and friendly figure—which also serves as a container for the puzzle pieces or other small objects, emphasizing its practical, symbolic, and aesthetic value.

Each piece is 3D printed, carefully sanded, and painted using mixed techniques—spray and brush—applying traditional Japanese color palettes. The color combinations are inspired by works such as the ceiling of the Ojo-Gokuraku-in temple and paintings by the artist Utagawa Kunisada. A wide range of colors or patterns can be applied, which can also assist in or facilitate the correct arrangement of the puzzle pieces.

Asanoha 3D Puzzle is not just a toy, but an invitation to discover and connect with the aesthetics, symbolic values, and artisanal wisdom of Japan through play, exploration, and creativity.

HMJ Arquitectura

Architect by profession, design is my passion. I work across both architectural and product design, with a deep appreciation for traditional handcrafting techniques as well as digital fabrication methods like 3D printing. Exploring the intersection between these two worlds has sparked a strong interest in me, and I see great potential in combining them to help preserve and revitalize traditional craftsmanship for the future.